If you’re traveling to Turkey soon and pondering about how you’ll stay connected during your trip, you are reading the right article. Sure, there are plenty of options for using data abroad, but eSIMs do stand out. These digital SIMs let you enjoy using the internet outside your country for reasonable costs.
Besides being affordable, using an eSIM is also very easy and hassle-free. Instead of hunting for a local SIM vendor when you land in Turkey, get an eSIM online. This saves you time and spares your peace since there is one less thing to stress about throughout your trip.
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about eSIMs — including the best eSIMs to go for your trip to Turkey. Read on to discover the providers I’ve reviewed and additional tips for making the most of your adventure.
How to choose an eSIM for travel in Turkey?
I previously mentioned that eSIMs are the best choice for using data while traveling. And there is a good reason for that. eSIMs have irreplaceable advantages over using traditional Turkey SIM cards or data roaming. Yet, not all eSIM providers offer the same perks, so consider the following before you get a plan:
- Go with an eSIM that works with local networks in Turkey. This way, you will have good coverage wherever you go in the country. Turkcell and Vodafone are widely available and should provide you with reliable service.
- Data plans. Think about how much data you’ll need during your trip. Some eSIMs offer a range of data plans. Find small data packages if your trip is short, or opt for a larger one in case you’re planning to stay longer or use a lot of data.
- Easy activation. Look for eSIMs that are easy to activate. You ideally want to do that before you even leave for Turkey. Many services allow you to set up your eSIM in advance.
- Extra features. If you need more than data, check whether the eSIM has plans that include calling or texting. Or maybe you want to share your internet with other devices, then look for one that has tethering capabilities.
- Customer support. Often overlooked, customer support is very important for digital products. In case you run into any issues while abroad, it’s a good idea to choose an eSIM with fast and reliable customer support.
Now that you know what to consider when choosing an eSIM, it’s time to explore the best eSIM for Turkey.
How We Rank eSIM Providers
While we strive to provide an objective ranking, our recommendations are grounded in thorough research and key factors such as:
Reliability
Network quality and consistency across different regions in Germany
Pricing
Value for money and competitive rates for data packages
User Ratings
Customer satisfaction and reviews from real travelers
Ease of Use
Simplicity of activation, app interface, and setup process
Extra Features
Additional benefits like tethering, multi-device support, and customer service
📌 Note: Prices and features may change, so we always recommend checking the latest details on the provider's official website before purchasing.
Best eSIM providers for Turkey
Each provider offers something unique, whether it’s better coverage, plan options, or extra features. That’s why it’s important to pick one that fits your needs. With the right eSIM, you will always stay connected without the hassle, so you can focus on enjoying your travels. I evaluated a list of providers based on factors like coverage and network, plans and pricing, customer support, and user reviews.
Airalo
convenient data plans
Networks
3G, 4G LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
Airalo offers convenient plans for Turkey. Whether you need a plan for a short vacation or a long-term trip, you can get good deals from Airalo at decent prices, making it a feasible provider for any type of traveler. I will get into detail below, but if you want to learn more, read my Airalo review.
Network and coverage. With its 200+ country coverage, Airalo is a reliable eSIM provider. Network availability is usually 3G or 4G LTE. However, if your device supports it, you can also connect to 5G networks in certain countries.
Plans and pricing. For Turkey, Airalo’s “Merhaba” package offers 7 plans. Six of these plans are standard, and one is an unlimited plan. The validity period options are quite varied — the plans last 7, 10, 15, or 30 days, depending on the amount of data they cover. With the cheapest plan, you get 1 GB of data valid for 7 days, costing $4.50.
User reviews. Airalo has mixed reviews online. People often praise the convenience and notable wide coverage of this provider’s eSIMs. Yet, according to the reviews, some people are not really happy with the overall connection quality at all times or with the help they receive from the support team.
Customer support. If you have questions, Airalo’s help team operates on several channels. For faster replies, you can use their live chat feature. If you think basic troubleshooting is all you need, they also have FAQs and guides, which you can access through their app or on the website.
Pros
- ✓ Worldwide coverage
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Allows tethering
- ✓ Unlimited data plan for Turkey
- ✓ Regional and global plans available
Cons
- • Global plans don’t have unlimited data
- • Plans that include phone calls and texts are expensive
Nomad
Best network connectivity for frequent travelers
Networks
4G, LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
If you are looking for a solution with a high connection quality, you might want to give Nomad a try. Here is a quick summary, but read my Nomad review for more details.
Network and coverage. Nomad is available in 190+ countries and territories and supports 4G LTE connectivity around the globe. The good news is that most of Nomad’s plans for Turkey come with a 5G connection. This means that if your device supports it, you can connect to 5G networks without a problem.
Plans and pricing. For Turkey, there are 5 plans to choose from. Except for one plan, all plans support a 5G network connection. Validity periods Nomad offers aren’t very flexible, as plans are limited to a week or a month validity. That said, the cheapest plan costs $4.50 and includes 1 GB of data that you can use in Turkey for 7 days. However, if you want a faster internet connection, the 5G equivalent of this plan costs $7.
User reviews. Nomad has scored high points from its users. People praise how straightforward it is to install and activate the eSIM. Yet, there were contradicting complaints, too. For example, slow or poor connection speeds and lost signal were notable issues that users mentioned.
Customer support. You can reach Nomad’s customer support via the ticketing system on their website or their in-app chat feature.
Pros
- ✓ Good coverage
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Allows tethering
- ✓ Flexible plan selection
- ✓ Regional and global plans available
Cons
- • Limited validity period options
- • No traditional call minutes and text messages
aloSIM
Data plans with a phone number
Networks
LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
If your ideal eSIM for Turkey must include a phone number, take a look at what aloSIM has on offer. You get an international number upon your purchase that allows you to make calls over Wi-Fi or data.
Network and coverage. aloSIM is expanding its supported destinations, now covering 200+ countries and destinations worldwide. In Turkey, they’re partnered with Türk Telekom, one of the giants in mobile networks. Typically, the network connectivity you’ll experience with aloSIM in Turkey is LTE, but if your device supports it, you can also connect to 5G networks.
Plans and pricing. For Turkey, there are 8 plans available. Some of these are standard plans, meanwhile, others offer unlimited data. All plans are available for 7, 15, or 30 days and the cheapest eSIM plan you can get includes 1 GB of data, valid for 7 days, at $4.50.
User reviews. aloSIM users praised the uninterrupted connection and ease of use of the service. Many have also commented on how useful and responsive the customer support was. However, aloSIM isn’t immune to criticism, as some users expressed dissatisfaction regarding the phone number the plans provide.
Customer support. You can reach aloSIM customer support via live chat or email. If you need minimal assistance regarding setup or installation, you can check the FAQ page on the AloSIM website.
Pros
- ✓ Comes with an international phone number
- ✓ Responsive customer support
- ✓ Easy top-up
- ✓ User-friendly app interface
- ✓ Data calculator to track usage
Cons
- • No global plans
- • Plans don’t include call minutes or text messages
Jetpac
a seamless travel experience
Networks
3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Countries
150+
What makes Jetpac unique are the perks it offers — like airport lounge access in case your flight is delayed. However, there is more to it:
Network and coverage. Jetpac covers 150+ countries and territories worldwide. While its coverage may not be as extensive compared to its competitors, it offers a wide range of connection types. Jetpac supports all kinds of networks in Turkey. You can enjoy a fast 5G connection as long as your device is compatible with it.
Plans and pricing. You can select from 7 plans Jetpac offers for those traveling to Turkey. Most of the plans are valid for 30 days, with the exception of a couple of plans that are valid for a shorter time. The cheapest plan costs $4 for 1 GB of data, valid for only 4 days. Given the short validity period, this plan is relatively expensive compared to other providers.
User reviews. With its 4-star rating on Trustpilot, Jetpack generally received positive feedback. People appreciated the easy installation, even when issues arose. Most users also praised the competitive prices. On the flipside, many customers complained about the help they received from the support.
Customer support. Jetpac support is available via live chat or email via WhatsApp. You can also use the ticketing system on their website. Additionally, there is an FAQ page for general activation and troubleshooting questions.
Pros
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Flexible plan selection for Europe
- ✓ Variety of network types available
- ✓ Decent coverage
- ✓ Supports tethering
Cons
- • More expensive pricing compared to similar providers
- • Might not be suitable for short-term travelers
Saily
reliable connectivity for global travelers
Networks
3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
When traveling, the last thing you want is to lose connection at the moment you need it most. Saily could be a great option for those who don’t want to compromise on the uptime of their connection. What’s unique about Saily is that it partners with multiple carriers in each country so that you always have the best signal. You can read more about it in my Saily review.
Network and coverage. Saily has worldwide coverage, and you can use the eSIM service in more than 200 countries and territories. As for the network and speed, if your device supports it, you can connect to all network types, including 5G.
Plans and pricing. Saily offers 5 data-only plans, all valid for 7 or 30 days. That said, the cheapest plan is also one of the most budget-friendly options on this list. It consists of 1 GB of data, is valid for 7 days, and costs $3.99.
User reviews. Reviews seem to favor Saily. The most notable praises are for easy installation and straightforward step-by-step instructions for activation. People also seemed to be happy with the connection’s high uptime. Meanwhile, some complained about the service performance in select regions across the globe.
Customer support. Saily provides 24/7 live chat and responsive email support. It also has an FAQ section on its website.
Pros
- ✓ Switching plans don’t require a reinstall
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Flexible top-up options
- ✓ Affordable starting price
- ✓ Allows tethering without a cap
Cons
- • Doesn’t include traditional phone calls and texts
- • No unlimited data plans
Holafly
unlimited data plans for Turkey
Networks
3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
Looking for unlimited data for your Turkey trip? Then you might want to know more about Holafly. The provider offers unlimited data plans with flexible durations. Now, on to the details:
Network and coverage. Holafly’s services are available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Its eSIM services support all kinds of networks, meaning that as long as your device supports it, you can connect to networks up to 5G during your time in Turkey.
Plans and pricing. Holafly’s premise is simple — only unlimited data plans. The good part is that you can customize your plan’s duration from 1 day to 90 days. Whether you’re going to be in Turkey for a few days on a weekend trip or the whole month, if you need unlimited data, Holafly is extremely convenient. That said, prices can get pretty expensive. For example, an unlimited data plan valid for just one day costs $6.90.
User reviews. While a considerable chunk of the user base likes Holafly for its customer support and decent coverage, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Many users are quite unhappy about the reduced speeds after a few GBs of usage. Some also expressed concerns about the data limits for tethering, which they feel isn’t enough.
Customer support. You can contact Holafly support in more than one way. They have two live chats: one on WhatsApp and one on the website. If your request is not urgent, you can also email them.
Pros
- ✓ Flexible validity selection
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Allows tethering
- ✓ Offers unlimited data plans
- ✓ Regional and global plans available
Cons
- • Relatively expensive
- • No limited data plans
- • Doesn’t include traditional phone calls and texts
Yesim
flexible plan selection for long-term travelers
Networks
3G, 4G, LTE, 5G
Countries
200+
Another provider I have to mention on this list is Yesim. With its month-long valid plans, it’s ideal for travelers with high or low data who are planning long-term visits to Turkey. No matter how much data you need throughout the trip, the data plans Yesim offers cater to different travel needs. Here are the details:
Network and coverage. Yesim covers 200+ countries and destinations. Users typically get high network speeds with 4G and 5G connections, although this depends on the network provider. Yesim currently supports networks from decent operators like Vodafone and AVEA in Turkey.
Plans and pricing. Yesim has four unlimited and 4 standard plans. The duration of the unlimited plans starts at 1 day and goes up to 30 days. However, its 1-day unlimited data plan is more expensive than the other unlimited plans I discussed in this article — it costs $7. As for the standard plans, you can select from 10, 15, 20, or 30 GB of data, all valid for 30 days.
User reviews. Yesim scores high points from users on notable review sites like Trustpilot. According to users, the service performance is generally good in Turkey. People especially liked how fast it was to start using Yesim. However, there are complaints about the speed, especially from users who bought unlimited plans.
Customer support. Yesim customer support is available through the chat feature on their website and via email. You can also send them a message via their social media accounts.
Pros
- ✓ Variety of deals
- ✓ Unlimited data plans
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Allows tethering
- ✓ Regional and global plans available
Cons
- • Relatively expensive
- • Doesn’t include traditional phone calls and texts
BNESIM
affordable and high-coverage options
Networks
3G, 4G, and 5G
Countries
200+
The last name on my top eSIMs for Turkey list is BNESIM. This provider attracts international travel enthusiasts with its prices. So, if you are extra cautious about your travel budget, you might like what BNESIM has to offer.
Network and coverage. BNESIM covers 200+ countries and territories worldwide and supports 3G, 4G, and 5G networks in Turkey. Though, not to forget, the network type you connect to depends on your device and exact location.
Plans and pricing. There are two types of deals: subscription-based or one-time-only. If you go with a subscription-based plan, your plan never expires. Additionally, you can select the auto top-up option, which activates whenever you fall below 100 MB of internet. That said, the cheapest plan you can use in Turkey includes 1 GB of internet and is valid for 30 days, costing $1.10.
User reviews. BNESIM has mixed reviews online. Some people really liked its coverage and cheap prices; however, more people complained about the subscription-based plans. One could argue that the company was transparent and stated the plans would be renewed every month. Yet, it seems like people had issues with customer service responsiveness and canceling the unwanted monthly subscriptions.
Customer support. BNESIM customer support can be contacted through their 24/7 live chat or WhatsApp. If you don’t need instant help, you can also email them.
Pros
- ✓ Worldwide coverage
- ✓ No eKYC is required
- ✓ Instant delivery
- ✓ Smart top-up
- ✓ Affordable prices
Cons
- • Auto-renewal
- • Subscription-based plans
- • No flexible validity, only 30 days of plans
Comparison table of plans for Turkey
| Provider | Countries covered | Starting price | Validity period | 24/7 customer support | Tethering | Unlimited data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo |
🌍 200+
|
$4.50 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Nomad |
🌍 200+
|
$4.50 (for 1 GB) | 1 day | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
| aloSIM |
🌍 200+
|
$4.50 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| JetPac |
🌍 150+
|
$4 (for 1 GB) | 4 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
| Saily |
🌍 180+
|
$3.99 (for 1 GB) | 7 days | − No | ✓ Yes | − No |
| Holafly |
🌍 200+
|
$6.90 (unlimited GB) | 1 day | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Yesim |
🌍 200+
|
$7 (for unlimited GB) | 1 day | − No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| BNESIM |
🌍 200+
|
$1.10 (for 1 GB) | 30 days | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | − No |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find helpful information to answer common questions about eSIMs in Turkey
What is an eSIM?
Which eSIM is best for Turkey travel?
Can I make calls with an eSIM?
Will my phone work with just an eSIM
How to buy and activate an eSIM for Turkey
Buying and activating an eSIM for Turkey is extremely easy.
- Check if your device supports eSIM. Your phone needs to be it’s unlocked and compatible with the technology. If you are wondering, most recent iPhones, Google Pixels, and newer Android devices work with eSIM.
- Visit an eSIM provider’s website or app, select a plan that suits your needs, and purchase it. Once you purchase, you are a step closer to activating your eSIM.
- Open your device’s settings, go to Mobile Data, and select “Add Cellular Plan.” Scan the QR code the provider emailed you, follow the prompts, and your eSIM will be activated.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy seamless connectivity during your trip to Turkey!
Additional travel tips for Turkey
In addition to your communication needs, make sure you are well-prepared for your Turkey trip.
- Get travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations. It provides peace of mind and financial security, ensuring you’re covered no matter what happens during your journey.
- Safety advice. Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas. While your physical safety is important, remember to care for your cyber one as well. Avoid using public Wi-Fi and stick with your mobile data instead.
- It’s also a good idea to learn a few basic Turkish phrases, as they can help with communication in more remote areas. Remember to stay informed about local customs to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, each of these eSIM providers offers a tailored experience for staying connected in Turkey. Doing so effortlessly can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Having the right eSIM means one less thing to worry about. So think about your priorities and choose the option that suits your needs. Whether you’re after affordability, seamless service, or high-speed internet, there’s a solution here for every type of traveler.